The Environment Agency is urging communities in northern England to remain vigilant as recovery from the exceptional floods continues, particularly as further rainfall is expected tonight (Monday 7 December).

There remains ongoing flooding across Cumbria and parts of Lancashire. Severe flood warnings remain in place for the River Greta at Keswick, River Cocker in Cockermouth and River Eden at Appleby. Further flood warnings will be issued as necessary.

Disruption from flooding is expected to continue today along the River Severn, through Shropshire, Worcestershire and Gloucestershire. There is also a flood risk along the River Dee in Cheshire and the River Ouse, in York, over the coming days as it responds to further rainfall.

Environment Agency teams are continuing to check and maintain flood defences, clear blockages in rivers, monitor water levels and work with local flood wardens in the areas worst affected. Pumps and staff have been moved to areas most at risk and staff are now working with partners to help families affected respond to the flooding.

People can be prepared by checking their flood risk and keeping up to date with the latest situation. If travelling, people should not attempt to drive through flood water – 30cm of flowing water is enough to move your car.

Chris Wilding, Environment Agency Flood Risk Manager, said: “Our thoughts are with everyone that has been flooded. Environment Agency teams have been working round the clock, clearing rivers, maintaining flood defences and putting up temporary defences where they are effective.

“We are working closely with the emergency services and partners to make communities aware of the risk of flooding and take urgent action where necessary.

“We urge people not drive through flood water: just 30cm of flowing water is enough to move your car. People should check their flood risk and keep up to date with the latest situation or follow @EnvAgency and #floodaware on Twitter for the latest flood updates.”‎

The Environment Agency said provisional figures from a rain gauge at Honister in the Lake District showed 341mm of rain had fallen in 24 hours over the weekend.

The average rainfall for Cumbria for the month of December is 146.1mm, the Met Office said.

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